CLEVELAND, Miss. – The year 2025 marks a historic milestone as Delta State University celebrates 100 years of excellence in education, athletics, and community impact. As part of the university's centennial celebration, we proudly spotlight the legacy of the Delta State football program.
A Legacy of Champions
Playing its inaugural season in 1926, the Delta State University football program has become a symbol of pride for both the university and the Cleveland community. From humble beginnings to national acclaim, the Statesmen have forged a tradition of toughness, resilience, and excellence — both on and off the field.
The program's crowning achievement came in 2000, when Head Coach Steve Campbell led the Statesmen to the NCAA Division II National Championship, finishing with a 14-1 record. That historic season remains the pinnacle of Delta State football, though it is far from the program's only highlight.
Over the years, DSU has amassed a total of nine Gulf South Conference Championships. The Statesmen won their first title in 1998, followed by their second during the national championship season in 2000. A remarkable run of success followed, with back-to-back championships in 2007 and 2008, another pair in 2010 and 2011, and additional titles in 2014, 2022, and 2023.
Longtime head coaches E.B. Chadwick and Horace McCool laid the foundation for the program, instilling a sense of pride and unity that still resonates today. Chadwick and McCool are the second- and third-winningest coaches in DSU history, and their legacy lives on — including through the namesake of Parker Field-McCool Stadium, where the Statesmen continue to play.
In recent years, Head Coach
Todd Cooley, who took over in 2013, has carried the torch forward. Under his leadership, the Statesmen have returned to national prominence, capturing three GSC Championships (2014, 2022, 2023) and four NCAA Playoff berths (2014, 2017, 2022, 2023). Known for his passionate leadership and commitment to developing student-athletes, Cooley is now the all-time winningest coach in Delta State football history and the longest-tenured head coach in the Gulf South Conference.
Stars Who Shined Bright
Over the decades, numerous Statesmen have left their mark on Delta State and gone on to excel at the next level including in the NFL earning accolades for their performance, leadership, and dedication to the game.
More than 60 former DSU football players and coaches have been inducted into the Delta State University Athletics Hall of Fame, reflecting the rich tradition and impact of the program.
The Statesmen boast over 30 All-American selections, and every year, multiple players earn All-GSC honors and conference awards. The program has produced:
- 9 GSC Offensive Player of the Year award winners
- 5 GSC Defensive Player of the Year recipients
- 8 GSC Freshman of the Year honorees
- 7 GSC Coach of the Year award winners
Notable Names
- Jack Gregory (1966) – drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 9th round; named to the Pro Bowl twice with the New York Giants (1972, 1975), runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year after leading the NFL in sacks
- Tregnel Thomas (1996), Josh Bright (2000), and Patrick Shegog (2023) – All winners of the Conerly Trophy, awarded to the best college football player in the state of Mississippi
- Rico McDonald (1998–2001) – DSU's all-time rushing leader with 3,285 yards
- Scott Eyster (2003–2006) – DSU's all-time leader in career passing yards with 13,889 yards
- Michael Eubanks (2004–2007) – DSU's all-time sacks leader with 45.0 career sacks
- Anthony Maddox (2004-07) – Selected in the 4th round of the NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, the highest draft pick in Delta State history
As we celebrate 100 years of Delta State University, we honor the coaches, players, and supporters who built one of the most respected football programs in Division II. From national titles and conference championships to Hall of Fame careers and unforgettable fall Saturdays, Delta State Football has left an indelible mark on the university's legacy.
